2025 PenCraft Summer Book Awards Winner in Historical Fiction
2025 International Book Awards Winner in Fiction: Literary
A Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Book of 2024

“Intense and refreshing. A compelling story about life and art with vivid characters and an engaging setting.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Berman strikes a balance that few other writers can quite as successfully match. . . . [her] narrative style is impressively fluid, skillfully balancing suspense and drama in just the right amounts to entice the reader into this beautifully written novel. The Vow is a must-read for all readers looking for an inspiring story of succeeding against the odds.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review 

“Berman’s story juggles social expectation, romance, and artistic drive in a manner that invites women to think about the impetus for independence and creation in their own lives.”—Midwest Book Review

“Berman’s background in art comes shining through in lyrical descriptions of Angelica’s creative process and her use of color and composition. An illuminating picture of the 18th-century art world and the role of women also emerges.”—Historical Novels Review

“Jude Berman has created a spirited, engaging glimpse into the life of one of the most important artists of the eighteenth century. Kauffman was a true free spirit, dedicated to her art, and that is captured beautifully in this novel.”—Susanne Dunlap, author of The Portraitist: A Novel of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard

“Written with rich historical detail that brings the characters and time period to life, Berman has crafted a novel worthy of attention and respect.” —Marina DelVecchio, author of Unsexed

“Enthralling, beautiful portrait of the talented neoclassical artist Angelica Kauffman, whose fierce passion for independence drove her love and ambition. Berman’s vivid dialogue recreates the fascinating tug between Kauffman’s sensual artistry and clever intellect. Skillfully evocative of time and place, The Vow is a must-read for art-loving historical fiction readers.”—Joan Fernandez, author of Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh

“The Vow poignantly explores both the rewards and challenges of being a creative woman. With its rich descriptions of eighteenth-century Europe, this novel is a well-researched, timeless look at how powerfully the soul can guide us, both in art and in love.”—Ginny Kubitz Moyer, author of The Seeing Garden

“Lovers of art and seekers of the Divine will be especially enthralled by this masterful work set in late-1700s Italy and England—a creative revelation of the painterly life of Angelica Kauffman, a historical, exceptionally accomplished artist. Relive her encounters with celebrities of the time, including Joshua Reynolds, Goethe, and royalty.”—Francine Falk-Allen, author of A Wolff in the Family

“Within the atmospheric pages of The Vow, readers are transported to the vibrant world of Renaissance Europe, where the talented Angelica emerges as a beacon of strength and determination. In this mesmerizing tale woven by Jude Berman, the intricate dance between ambition and betrayal unfolds with breathtaking elegance. With skillful prose and classical descriptions, Berman paints a vivid portrait of a woman defying the constraints of her time, making this novel an unforgettable masterpiece in its own right.”—Joanne Howard, author of Sleeping in the Sun

“A lyrically written, deeply imagined fictional biography of one of the early feminists—the renowned 18th-century artist Angelica Kauffman, who was close friends with both Joshua Reynolds and Goethe.”—Sara Loyster, author of The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit

“In The Vow, Berman brings a mostly forgotten eighteenth-century artist breathtakingly to life. Angelica Kauffman was truly exceptional—fierce, independent, beautiful, fought over by patrons and lovers. This graceful and well-researched novel exposes the deepest heart of a passionate woman who makes excruciating choices to keep her spirit free.”—Laurel Huber, author of The Velveteen Daughter  

“Based on extensive research, The Vow uncovers the life of Angelica Kauffman, an artist who vows never to marry but instead pursue her art. Berman imagines rich scenes of Kauffman’s struggles as a woman trying to succeed and find love too. An insightful and intimate book that pulls back the curtain on the art salons of eighteenth-century Italy and England.”—Linda Moore, author of Attribution

“Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman’s quest for immortality—both as an artist and as a woman—underpins her every movement in Jude Berman’s compelling second novel, The Vow. Berman breathes life into a historical character who dared to break professional and social boundaries. This intriguing and historically accurate novel will delight readers of art history, women’s history, and eighteenth-century historical fiction.”—Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite

“Jude Berman’s The Vow brilliantly explores the life of eighteenth-century Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman. In an era when women lived with few rights, Kauffman rejects society’s restrictions and follows her dream of becoming a successful portraitist and history painter. In a stellar first-person narrative, we share Kauffman’s struggles, passions, and successes. If you’re a fan of classical art, historical novels, and the roots of feminism, you’ll love The Vow.”—Susen Edwards, author of What a Trip: A Nove